GLOBUS 2018: Flavors of China & the Yangtze (OC)

14 days from Beijing to Shanghai

This tour through China has everything you could want in a China vacation: visits to ancient sites, thrilling experiences, opportunities to learn about the culture, authentic cuisine, and more. Start in Beijing, end in Shanghai, and overnight along the way in Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and aboard a 3-night Yangtze River cruise. As you walk along the Great Wall, marvel at its expansiveness. Also impressive are the Terracotta Warriors, built 2,000 years ago to protect the first emperor in his afterlife. You'll stand in awe as you take in the life-size soldiers, chariots, and horses.On your 3-night Yangtze River cruise, enjoy the spectacular beauty and tiny villages as you cruise through the Three Gorges. Take a walking tour of Shibaozhai and its 400-year-old pagoda built high on the cliffside. In Hangzhou, more scenic beauty awaits on your cruise on West Lake, surrounded by mountains on three sides and known for its picturesque landscape and collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces. Also visit Fei Lai Feng, a limestone mountain with over 300 stone statues dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries, and Lingyin Temple (Temple of Soul's Retreat), one of China's most famous Buddhist temples dating back 1,700 years.Globus has included out-of-the-ordinary experiences, like a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs (ancient alleys) and a xiaolongbao lunch in Shanghai. Other thrilling experiences include a visit to the Giant Panda Research Base, a ride on the bullet train from Chengdu to Chongqing, a calligraphy class, sightseeing with Local Guides, and much more.From the serene and picturesque landscapes to the vibrant cities and from the many historic sites to the modern accomplishments, this China tour is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation opportunity!

Call (508) 668-2636 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13748319

Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Next, explore the FORBIDDEN CITY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest palace complex in the world. Once the home of China's great emperors, today it showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, savor a special [LF] PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. Tonight, you may choose to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater, or attend the Legend of Kung Fu Show, with a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics. (B,L)

This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's [LF] HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family's home to learn more about their life. A short flight brings you to Xi'an. (B)

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. This evening, attend the 'Tang Dynasty' DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Chengdu

This morning, visit the Xi'an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS; you may even see some locals practicing their morning tai chi. Next, fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and known for its flavorful food. (B)

Day 7

Yangtze River Cruise

Start your day with a visit to the [LF] GIANT PANDA RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. After lunch, transfer to the train station and board your BULLET TRAIN to Chongqing, China's capital during World War II. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board your cruise ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Cruising: Shibaozhai

The morning is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activities. You may choose to start your day with a tai chi session on the Sun Deck, take a swim in the pool, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. After lunch, take a WALKING TOUR of Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story, red-wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side. This evening, the Captain hosts a welcome party, followed by dinner and a special performance by the ship's crew. (B,L,D) NOTE: Depending on river conditions, an alternate shore excursion may be offered.

Day 9

GODDESS STREAM

Again, enjoy the morning at your leisure on the ship. You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many Chinese as the 'Ghost City,' to visit the mountaintop shrines. Later in the morning, sail downstream through the first and second of the three gorges-Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down Goddess Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and the mysterious hanging wooden coffins. Before returning to your ship, you will also board a wooden boat on a smaller section of the stream, where the crew will sing songs as you glide across the stunning deep emerald-green waters surrounded by densely forested hills. (B,L,D) NOTE: Depending on river conditions, the boat excursion may be on the Shennong Stream.

Day 10

Hangzhou

This morning, take a specially designed boat through a lock followed by a visit to the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch in Yichang, board your flight to Hangzhou. (B,L)

Day 11

Hangzhou

Enjoy a full day tour of Hangzhou, one of China's seven ancient capitals. Start with a visit to LINGYIN TEMPLE followed by FEI LAI FENG, a unique mountain famous for a cluster of caves with hundreds of unique stone buddha statues. After lunch, be transported back in time during a WALKING TOUR along Hefang Street. End the day with a CRUISE on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces. (B,L)

Transfer to Shanghai, where you will start your sightseeing with a stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. For lunch, stop at a local restaurant for lunch featuring [LF] XIAOLONGBAO, Shanghai's most famous dish. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top. The broth is the star so, to avoid wasting a single drop, gently pick up the dumpling, dip in sauce, and transfer to a Chinese soup spoon. Next, make a small hole to release the steam and allow the broth to cool. After it cools, sip up the broth and then swallow the dumpling. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B,L)

This morning, visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, featuring stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. Then, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghai's leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so popular endure-from quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Along the way, see the famous Art Deco Cathay Theatre, explore the narrow lanes of Xintiandi, and visit Fuxing Park, where locals play chess, dance, practice tai chi, and more. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

Dates & Prices do not include air travel. Participation in this vacation requires purchase of the following flights from Globus, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at $551. Required intra-vacation air segments: Beijing/Xi'an; Xi'an/Chengdu; Yichang/Hangzhou. Air prices were effective on August 17, 2017, and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Gratuities for Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides are available for pre-purchase on the base vacation. For vacations that include an extension to the base, pre-paid gratuities only include the base portion. Any additional gratuities would need to be paid on trip. Prices are per person, based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $890 to $950Triple rooms are not available.Extra nights per person in Beijing:Friday-Sunday: in single room $127; in twin room $69Monday-Thursday: in single room $143; in twin room $77Extra nights per person in Shanghai:April-May & September-November: in single room $178; in twin room $95June-August: in single room $151; in twin room $81

Travel Terms & ConditionsThe purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.

Important Notes

Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.

The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Globus Group Leader in Cuba, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with AirFor air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable per person service fee ($30 for North/Central America, $50 for Europe/Middle East and $80 for all other destinations. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & FeesAir-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.

* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s) - please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).